3-minute interview: Penn Ketchum, Managing Partner, Penn Cinemas, Manheim Twp.Penn Cinemas also has a location in Wilmington, DE. Mr. Ketchum and his team are working to bring a luxury twin movie theater to York.

Penn Ketchum

Q: Tell us about your plans to open a movie theater in York.

A: I am really interested in this concept of a “luxury twin” with the notion that we could reclaim some of the great local flavor that disappeared when the multiplexes took over.

Q: Tell us about your new theater model.

A: The new model being discussed is one that takes the premium high-end experience associated with IMAX and other large screen formats and brings that experience to a local context. The idea is that we compromise nothing with regard to the theatrical experience and make that presentation in a local setting, the return of the twin. A twin only has two screens to generate revenue and screen product. Therefore, non-theatrical revenue (advertising) plays a critical role in the viability of the luxury twin. But that works out fine, because it allows local businesses the chance to be centrally involved in a glamorous space that they might otherwise be locked out of when working with a large chain. This model allows local business owners to be involved in some of the biggest picks of the year but also more subtle things like a family’s first night out together, a teen’s first date or the simple joy of sitting up front with a large drink and leaving your worries behind for a couple hours.

Q: What is the most fun part of your job?

A: You mean besides free popcorn and movies? Well for me, I always say there’s more to it than just showing movies, I love seeing the community come together and share in the experience of movie going. Being in the lobby with our guests or fooling around with my staff and our customers is a lot of fun for me.

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